Two of the Tar Heel State’s school choice programs have saved taxpayers between $74.1 million and $154.3 million through fiscal 2018, according to an updated analysis from the school choice advocacy organization EdChoice.
All by David Bass
Appeal means $1.7 billion Leandro transfer could end up at N.C. Supreme Court
A Democrat-controlled N.C. Supreme Court could end up deciding the constitutionality of a $1.7-billion transfer ordered by the presiding judge in the long-running Leandro school funding lawsuit.
Durham poised to send $500 checks to ex-cons in basic income pilot
The city of Durham is set to give monthly checks worth $500 to 115 formerly incarcerated people. The move is part of a nationwide basic income experiment, primarily bankrolled by Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey.
Samaritan’s Purse brings Christmas joy, relief to tornado-ravaged communities
Yuri Lopez was orphaned at the age of two and spent her childhood shifting between 14 orphanages in Honduras. But her life was transformed one Christmas when she received a shoebox filled with gifts from the North Carolina-based international Christian ministry Samaritan’s Purse. That’s when she “experienced hope for the very first time.”
Modems removed from voting machines in five N.C. counties
The N.C. State Board of Elections recently removed analog modems from voting equipment in five counties, a move that has drawn criticism from the N.C. House Freedom Caucus.
N.C. budget includes $100 million teacher pay supplement for lower-wealth counties
The Tar Heel State’s budget for the new biennium includes $100 million in supplemental pay for public school teachers in some of the state’s smallest, poorest counties.
Poll: Two-thirds of likely N.C. voters support opportunity scholarships
A new poll from a statewide school-choice advocacy group shows that nearly two-thirds of likely general election voters in North Carolina support the Opportunity Scholarship Program.
New N.C. budget expands school choice
Many North Carolinians breathed a sigh of relief last week when the GOP-led legislature and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper came to terms on a budget for the new biennium. School choice advocates were among them and have plenty to celebrate in the new spending plan.
New Civitas poll: Biden’s disapproval rating at 57% in N.C.
President Joe Biden’s approval rating in North Carolina has taken a beating since the first quarter of the year, with just 39% of North Carolinians approving of him today, compared to 57% who disapprove. In March, Biden’s approval rating stood at 48% to 49% disapprove.
Operation Christmas Child continues despite rising costs, supply chain issues
Rampant inflation, supply chain issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic aren’t dampening the Christmas spirit at the international Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse.
Leandro judge sets off constitutional firestorm by ordering $1.7 billion
A retired Union County judge is trying to leapfrog the Republican-led N.C. General Assembly by ordering a $1.7 billion transfer from the state’s coffers to fund public education.
Senate education leader blasts AG Stein's "defense" in Leandro case
A top N.C. Senate education leader is criticizing Attorney General Josh Stein for his handling of the state's defense in the long-running Leandro school funding lawsuit.
UNC Chapel Hill trustees kill motion to ban admissions discrimination
Marty Kotis said he was simply trying to start a public discussion when he proposed a motion related to anti-discrimination policies.
Truitt calls Biden’s vaccine mandate ‘government overreach’
North Carolina’s top elected school official is calling the Biden administration’s national vaccine mandate a clear example of government overreach.
Cooper’s teacher advisory committee lopsided to favor Dem voices
Of the 25 active members of Gov. Roy Cooper’s Teacher Advisory Committee, only one is a registered Republican, a review of voter registration records by Carolina Journal shows. The ratios bring into question how adequately the advisory committee represents the diverse viewpoints of teachers from across North Carolina.
Teacher’s union on decline as pandemic-weary parents clamor for more options
North Carolina’s self-described teachers’ union still has clout with many Democratic lawmakers in the legislature, but its influence — and popularity — with teachers and everyday North Carolinians appears to be waning.
Wake principal denies face mask exemption for kindergartener with disabilities
A Wake County principal has denied a mask exemption request for a kindergartener with disabilities, according to a recorded phone call released by the anonymous parent.
Study: Dem-backed bill could slash charter school student funding
A new study from researchers at the University of Arkansas and Western Carolina University finds that a Democrat-backed budget bill pending in Congress would slash an average of $1,131 per student in resources for charter schools.
Public school health survey asks students about drug use, sexual behavior
A youth risk survey for middle- and high-school students in the public school system is raising eyebrows for asking students about drug use and sexual activity.
Judge could issue order compelling lawmakers to fund Leandro in early November
The judge in the long-running Leandro school funding case could issue an order as early as three weeks compelling the General Assembly to fully fund a court-ordered plan drawn up by California-based consultants.